Former Spartan Max Povse Called up to Join the Seattle Mariners

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SEATTLE, Wash. – Former Spartan Max Povse was called up to join the Seattle Mariners pitching staff Sunday morning. Povse, a Spartan from 2012-14, was a third round draft pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 2014 MLB Draft.

"Max is a diligent worker with a very deep competitive desire.” Head coach Link Jarrett said, “He has always possessed tremendous upside, and as competitive as he is, we felt it was only a matter of time until he established himself as a professional. We are extremely excited for him and all that he represents."

Povse, a 2016 midseason All Star as a member of the Carolina Mudcats, will work as Seattle's long relief pitcher out of the bullpen. Povse, a starter throughout his career, has made two relief appearances in the minors. The Mariners have envisioned him working as a long reliever and have limited his innings in recent starts. In four years of professional baseball, Povse has earned a 21-15 record with a 3.57 ERA.

At UNCG, Povse led or tied for the team lead in strikeouts each season. He led the Spartans in games started all three seasons and led the pitching staff with 77.2 innings of work in the 2013 season. Povse started 43 games for the Spartans, making one relief appearance and threw three complete games, two being in his final season.

Povse joins Brian Moehler as former Spartans who have made it to the Major League level. Moehler was a 14-year veteran of Major League Baseball, playing for four franchises during his time.